Pastor Mike Shellman | November 3, 2024
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Philippians 4:10-20
10 I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at length you have revived your concern for me. You were indeed concerned for me, but you had no opportunity. 11 Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. 12 I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. 13 I can do all things through him who strengthens me.
14 Yet it was kind of you to share[a] my trouble. 15 And you Philippians yourselves know that in the beginning of the gospel, when I left Macedonia, no church entered into partnership with me in giving and receiving, except you only. 16 Even in Thessalonica you sent me help for my needs once and again. 17 Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that increases to your credit.[b] 18 I have received full payment, and more. I am well supplied, having received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent, a fragrant offering, a sacrifice acceptable and pleasing to God. 19 And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. 20 To our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen.
What can we learn from our text?
- Paul expresses his gratitude to the Philippians for their kind expressions of love from the generous gift they sent him.
- Paul provides a powerful example of how a Christian can be spiritually strong through content regardless of his or her circumstances.
Christian Contentment:
“Christian contentment is that sweet, inward, quiet, gracious frame of spirit, which freely submits to and delights in God’s wise and fatherly disposal in every condition.” (The Rare Jewel of Christian Contentment)
The Biblical Command to be Content:
• John the Baptist:
Soldiers also asked him, “And we, what shall we do? “And he said to them, “Do not exhort money from anyone by threats ore by false accusations and be content with your wages.” (Luke 3:14)
• Paul to Timothy:
If we have food and covering, with these we will be content.
(1 Timothy 6:8)
• Writer of Hebrews:
Keep your life free from the love of money, and. Be content with what you have, for he has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” So, we can confidently say, “The Lord is my helper; I will not fear; what can man do to me?” (Hebrews 13:5-6)
• Paul’s Testimony:
For the sake of Christ then, I am content with weaknesses, with insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong. (2 Corinthians 12:10).
Now there is great gain in godliness with contentment. (1 Timothy 6:6)
Outline:
- Christian Contentment is Preoccupied with the Well-being of Others (vs. 10)
- Christian Contentment Trusts God in all Circumstances (vs. 11)
- Christian Contentment Lives above all Difficult Circumstances (vs. 12)
- Christian Contentment is Strengthened by Divine Power (vs. 13)
- Christian Contentment Comes from God’s Provisions (vss. 14-20)
- Christian Contentment is Preoccupied with the Well-Being of Others (vs. 10)
10 I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at length you have revived your concern for me. You were indeed concerned for me, but you had no opportunity.
- Christian Contentment Trusts God in all Circumstances (vs. 11)
11 Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content.
- Christian Contentment Lives above all Circumstances (vs. 12)
12 I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need.
4. Christian Contentment is Strengthened by Divine Power (vs. 13)
13 I can do all things through him who strengthens me.
- Christian Contentment Comes from God’s Provisions (vss. 14-20)
14 Yet it was kind of you to share[a] my trouble. 15 And you Philippians yourselves know that in the beginning of the gospel, when I left Macedonia, no church entered into partnership with me in giving and receiving, except you only. 16 Even in Thessalonica you sent me help for my needs once and again. 17 Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that increases to your credit.[b] 18 I have received full payment, and more. I am well supplied, having received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent, a fragrant offering, a sacrifice acceptable and pleasing to God. 19 And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. 20 To our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen.
God’s promise of provision:
God’s Promise is Personal – my God
God’s Promise is Positive – shall supply
God’s Promise is Pointed – all your need
God’s Promise is Plentiful – according to His riches in glory
God’s Promise is Powerful – in Christ Jesus